The United Kingdom has passed a new law which means that everyone who is 17 years old or younger today will never be able to legally buy cigarettes. The discriminatory decision is described by politicians as a historic step for public health, where they argue that drastic enforcement is required to create the smoke-free generation they wish to see in the future.

The British Parliament has now approved the final version of the so-called Tobacco and Vapes Bill, after both the House of Commons and the House of Lords said yes to the proposal. The reform means that people born on or after January 1, 2009 will be permanently banned from buying tobacco products—even as they get older.

The ban is lifelong for this group. The goal is to prevent new generations from starting to smoke by making it illegal for stores to sell tobacco to anyone born in or after the established year.

New Rules for All Nicotine Products

When the law is formally enacted through royal assent, the government will also gain expanded powers to regulate tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products. This applies to flavors, packaging, and marketing, among other things.

READ ALSO: Lung cancer remains at the same levels despite reduced smoking

The legislation package is part of a broader strategy to reduce the health problems caused by smoking. Smoking remains one of the UK’s leading causes of preventable death, as well as disease and disability.

Ban on Vaping in More Places

The new rules also cover the use of e-cigarettes. Vaping is banned in cars carrying children, in playgrounds, and outside schools and hospitals. This extends the current smoke-free zones. However, vaping will still be allowed outside hospitals to help people trying to quit smoking.

Outdoor restaurant areas, pub gardens, beaches, and private outdoor spaces are not covered by the new rules. For now, it will remain permitted to smoke and vape at home.

Government: Can Save Lives

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, called the enforced decision, which singles out an entire generation, a historic moment for the country’s public health.

– Preventive work is better than treatment. This reform will save lives, reduce the pressure on the NHS (the publicly funded health service), and help make Britain healthier, he said.

The health minister in the House of Lords, Baroness Merron, also praised the targeted ban.

– This is truly the biggest public health initiative in a generation, and I can assure all members it will save lives, she said.

Criticism from Conservatives

Lord Naseby, former Conservative MP, argued that the proposal is causing concern in the industry, particularly among retailers.

– What we actually need is a proper understanding of how to educate people so they don’t start smoking, he said.

READ ALSO: Buying cigarettes banned for young people

Baroness Merron replied that the government has maintained close dialogue with shopkeepers and that cooperation will continue.

Organizations Want to Go Further

Asthma + Lung UK is among those welcoming the decision, arguing the law can fundamentally change public health. However, the organization’s representative, Sarah Sleet, is not entirely satisfied.

She believes the government should now proceed with even broader efforts aimed at existing smokers. She also believes that the tobacco industry should pay a fee to fund these initiatives nationwide.